The crowd panicked instantly, unable to believe that their brother, who had just been joining in the fun, had changed so drastically.
"Protect the Pope!" The Knights of Fate drew their swords in unison.
Phil Gray remained calm. "Protect the people first. These people are nothing to fear. If possible, don't hurt them. They're just a pitiful bunch."
He recognized these people, of course; the leader was none other than the veiled leader of the apostates from Kao City.
Judging from their crude attack methods, it seems that apart from the leader and Lisa beside her, the others are just ordinary people who are carrying some special props.
Lisa has also become a chosen one of the gods, radiating a rich life force, with slender vines growing from her hands. She must be a chosen one of the gods of life.
It seems she has had a remarkable year.
"You liar! You damned lackey!"
Sure enough, in no time at all, the rabble was captured.
The female leader glared fiercely at Phil Gray and cursed.
As soon as this dog of fate entered the city of Kao, she recognized his face. A year ago, he had attended their gathering, and she was deeply impressed by his face!
Damn it, she should have found out his identity back then and taken advantage of the opportunity to strike!
Lisa lowered her head, not daring to look directly at His Holiness the Pope, and it was unknown what she was thinking.
“I know that you betrayed Fate because you were treated unfairly, and most of it was related to certain people in the Vatican. Now I’m giving you a chance. Tell me about the injustices you suffered and the reasons for your betrayal. Personally accuse those who harmed you, whether they are priests, knights, or bishops. I will make them atone for their sins.” Phil Gray’s gaze swept over them one by one. Many of them did not really want to betray Fate, but were forced into a corner, and the real mastermind behind the apostates had instilled certain ideas in them.
"That sounds nice, but clearly everyone in your Papacy is in cahoots! Especially you, your lackey leader. Without your permission, how could these guys act so recklessly? The Archbishop of Reiss embezzled my family property and killed my parents. The Grand Master of the Knights of Kadagia embezzled this boy's father's pension, causing his paralyzed mother to starve to death. And this lady... What, you can execute all our enemies? Where was the god of fate when we were suffering? Where were you? Why should we have faith? And why can't we rebel!"
The female leader's retort was hoarse and desperate, and the apostates around her silently shed tears.
Phil Gray took a deep breath. “I understand your pain and your anger. I admit that the Church of Destiny is not perfect, and some of our members have indeed made mistakes, even committed crimes. But please believe me, they do not represent my will, nor do they represent the entire Church. As for our God, I believe He loves each and every one of His believers, and what you have suffered is not what God intended.”
Phil Gray's voice rose, "I hereby swear that I will conduct a thorough investigation into these injustices, and whoever is involved will be punished accordingly. I will personally ensure that such injustices never happen again."
He turned to the captured apostates, his eyes filled with sympathy and encouragement. “I give you a chance to make your voices heard. I will temporarily set up a fair court in the square of North City, the headquarters of the Church of Destiny, with all citizens of Destiny as the overseers. This will allow the victims to stand up and let those who have done evil be tried. Your words will be recorded and your suffering will be addressed.”
Phil Gray added, “And those apostates in other church regions, if they truly became apostates because of persecution by the papacy, I can forgive their sins of betrayal on behalf of God. As for whether they still believe in fate afterward, that is up to them. Ernest, you are in charge of this matter. Now, send people to settle these apostates, record all the accusations against them, and then verify them one by one, bringing all those involved to the court in North City!”
“Yes, Your Majesty!” Ernest replied firmly, bowed to Phil Gray, and then turned to organize the Knights of Fate.
As the female leader was taken away, a complex emotion flashed in her eyes. Her anger seemed to have subsided, but she still harbored deep suspicion. She clenched her fists, as if struggling with whether she should believe the pope's words.
As the atmosphere calmed down, the crowd recovered from their panic and began to discuss the identities of these apostates and the court that His Holiness the Pope had mentioned would be established in the main city.
Although most people are not apostates, that does not mean they have not been bullied by a priest or knight.
“Well, if you do this, it will definitely involve a lot of people, even a lot of families, and it may cause some turmoil,” Eli speculated reasonably.
“Yes, I had already thought of that, but if we don’t do this, the credibility of the Vatican will continue to decline, and the number of apostates will increase. As for the unrest, our strength is sufficient to quell it.” Phil Gray smiled calmly. In a world where supernatural powers exist, strength can represent everything.
“That’s true. By the way, I just noticed a noble lady watching you from the crowd. She wouldn’t leave when the knight dispersed the crowd. Does she know you?” Eli raised an eyebrow at him and pointed in a direction.
Phil Gray looked in the direction he pointed and indeed saw a tall figure. She was wearing a long red dress and a black feathered hat. When she met his gaze, she lifted the hem of her dress and gave a graceful bow.
This is... Edith?
“It seems to be Edith, the daughter of the city lord of Kao City. Call her over. It was thanks to the city lord's decree she gave us that Patrick and I were able to escape.” Phil Gray was somewhat surprised, but thankfully Patrick didn't come this time, as he was focused on finding fault with the five district bishops in North City.
"She's also named Edith?" Eli gave a knowing smile.
"Yes, and by the way, don't mention Patrick and Edith later."
"good."
Eli walked quickly to Edith and bowed, inviting her to come forward and meet the Pope.
"Your Majesty, I am Edith."
Miss Edith smiled gently and gracefully.
“Hello, Miss Edith, thank you for your help back then.” Phil Gray shook her hand.
“Your Majesty, I actually wanted to ask you about the whereabouts of someone. I’ve been looking for him for a long time,” Edith said, her eyes lowered and a hint of disappointment in her voice.
Phil Gray's heart skipped a beat; a bad feeling crept over him.
"I want to ask you about Patrick's whereabouts, your cousin. Actually, I liked him a lot back then too. The day you left with the city lord's token, I realized my true feelings. I've always been too weak, I didn't even dare to admit that I liked him. That day I made the boldest decision of my life, I broke off the engagement. But for a whole year, I haven't heard any news about him. Now I just want to see him one more time and tell him my love!" The girl raised her head, tears welling in her eyes, her cheeks slightly flushed, as if she was very uncomfortable saying such bold things in front of others.
Phil Gray coughed and looked at Eli, signaling him to answer.
Eli turned his head away and coughed awkwardly as well.
Seeing their strange reaction, Edith pursed her lips and asked awkwardly, "Is it inconvenient for you to tell me?"
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